METHACTON SCHOOL DISTRICT€¦ · Web viewMethacton High School. I. CALL TO ORDER ... Proposed change order #01-046 for modifications required to Skyview entrance way ... Microsoft

METHACTON SCHOOL DISTRICTBOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS

Regular Meeting MinutesTuesday, October 27, 2009

Methacton High School

I. CALL TO ORDER: 7:30 PM

II. OPENING CEREMONY

III. ATTENDANCE

BOARD OF LATESCHOOL DIRECTORS PRESENT ABSENT ARRIVALMrs. Marijane Barbone, President XMr. Daniel B. Sattler, Vice President XDr. Winifred S. Hayes XMr. Howard Jones XMr. John P. Lynch XMs. Joyce E. Petrauskas XMr. Grant T. Schanbacher XMr. Michael J. Simeone XMr. James T. Van Horn X

NON-VOTING MEMBERSDr. Timothy J. Quinn, Superintendent X

OTHERSMr. Paul R. Koehler, Board TreasurerDr. Jane E. Martin, Assistant SuperintendentMr. Robert P. Harney, Director of Labor Relations/Human ResourcesMr. Denis J. McCall, Director of Business ServicesMs. Vidula Joshi – Student RepresentativeMs. Emily Laird – Student RepresentativeBenjamin Greenberg – Student RepresentativeJaisheela Setty – Student Representative

IV. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EXECUTIVE SESSIONS – Mrs. Marijane BarboneMrs. Barbone announced an executive session was held prior to tonight’s meeting to discussnegotiations and a student issue.

V. PUBLIC COMMENT ON BOARD ACTION ITEMS

John Andrews, Lower Providence The Capital Reserve Fund Transfer item should be acted on separately HVAC Balancing looks like a change order at owner’s expense but sounds like a design

error by the architect.

Jim Phillips, Worcester Is the Board watching all the change orders

October 27, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes

VI. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Mrs. Marijane BarboneIt should be noted that public notice was given for this meeting in accordance with Act 84 of 1986. The preliminary agenda with additions and deletions as discussed at the work session on October 20, 2009 is submitted for Board approval.

May I have a motion to approve the agenda as indicated.

Motion: Mr. JonesSecond: Mr. SattlerVote: 8-0Result: Approved

VII. RECOGNITION OF GUESTS AND SCHEDULED SPEAKERS – Dr. Timothy Quinn

Mrs. Barbone administered the following Oath of Office for student board representative, Benjamin Greenberg:“I do solemnly sear that I will support, obey and defend the Constitution of the UnitedStates and the Constitution of this Commonwealth, and that I will discharge the dutiesof student board representative to the Board with fidelity”.

Ms. Judy Landis, Methacton High School principal presented “M” Awards to the following Methacton High School students for Academic Excellence in the 2008-2009 school year.

Grade 9

Aaron Agustin Tatiana Godoy Christopher MillerNicholas Alexander Emma Goodson Donald OttoMelinda Amornwichet Tuhin Gupta Jared OzerVikas Aragam Matthew Hepp Anthony PackMukund Balaskandan Elizabeth Hromada Nirali PanchaniErin Barlow Alyssa Jenkins Katie RobinsonMaria Tina Benno William Johnson Alison RobzenElizabeth Bertolazzi Marygrace Joyce Benjamin SattlerEmily Bobyock Nicole Karsch Rebekah SayreAmanda Broderick Alisha Khan Ryan SchraderWilliam Byrne Min Lee Michael SebokAaron Capece Olivia Lee Sheila ShankarAllison Carr Stephanie Lee Janine ShueyDillan Casanova Courtney Leistensnider Emma SullivanEllen Catanese Kyle Leitham Menaka SuriKevin Chen Yumeng Liao Jacquelyn TenczaMatthew Coyne Jessica Lindsay Matthew TurnerLauren Denecke Madeleine Lowery Alisa UrbanoAurelie Denis Tyler Lozinak Geoffrey WittenbergByron Fang Jay Lynch Cindy YongCatherine Farnum Mary Kate Martin Kelley ZhangNathaniel Forzato Laura McBride Maggie ZhangNicole Gilette Jessica McCrane

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Grade 10

Danica Belber Jin Lee Mariah SmithNicole Bridgens Angelina Lim Benjamin SongSuguna Chaganti Brandon Mentley Shauna StrubingerKelsey Christie Rikki Moore WeiWei SweiAnthony DeSana Megan Nearing Ernest TamAbigail Devlin Vieny Nguyen Suelee TangCamille Falcone Song Oh Whitney TatemJeffrey Forman Shannon Palmer Allison TiptonIssareekorn Glaewketgar Mitali Panchani Kevin ToddAlexa Gryga Anjli Patel Brian TysonSophia Hammond Shreya Patel Jane WangLisa Hofgesang Rebecca Radisic Laura WeinstockYwonne Hu Nishith Ravichandra Anna WuKatherine Joyce Jacquelyn Schatz Boyang ZhangThomas Landis Mansi Shah

Grade 11

Kimberley Alloway Jennifer Haefner Melissa RicciuttiLindsay Beatty Kyle Harmon Daniel RiemanLaura Bishop Michael He Kyle RobertsonKateryna Brezitska Emily Hromada Erika RodmanBrian Broderick Jennifer Huang Lauren RuhlRussell Bryant Jing Jia Snehal SawlaniWente Cai Pamela Jones Eva SchellySpencer Caplan Vidula Joshi John SenderakLaura Caughlan Natnael Kitaw Lori ShapiroHarini Chandramou Michelle Konkoly Mackenzie SheldonQuan Chen Jeffrey Kurish Joshua ShermanAndrea Clemente Kathleen Lane Ronak ShethWei Deng Karen Laskaris Joseph SpearotEmily Dinan Hyun Lee Victoria StevenKevin Drummey Paul Leone Kalpana SuraeshMelissa Duong Kara Lieff Chetana SureshRebecca Ellis James McHugh Alexandra WalshDanielle Falco Kelly Murphy Jacy WangAlexander Feick Alexander Newman Shen WangKevin Goff Dong Hoon Oh Li-Hui ZhangHenry Gong Melanie Ordway Chen ZhaoMaxwell Gorenberg Atit Patel Jacqueline ZieglerKathleen Grimes Ray Portillo

Mr. Brian Robbins and Mr. Adam Sussman gave a presentation on Methacton High School Social Studies.

VIII. REPORTSA. TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

Mr. Sattler gave a technology report.Mr. Schanbacher commended the work of the technology department and the importanceof their work in the district.

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B. CURRICULUM COMMITTEE Mrs. Barbone and Dr. Martin reports on the work of the curriculum committee.

C. LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

No report.

D. NORTH MONTCO TECHNICAL CAREER CENTERNo report.

E. INTERMEDIATE UNIT #23 Mr. Sattler gave a report on the intermediate unit.Mr. Van Horn questioned whether the IU was looking for additional space or a newlocation.Mr. Sattler responded that they are looking for a new location.Mr. Van Horn expressed his concern about the IU, the services are wonderful, but the costs are terrible.Mr. Sattler commented that there have been discussions on the costs.

F. COMMUNITY LIAISON Mr. Lynch gave a report on Worcester Township.Mr. Van Horn gave a report on Lower Providence Township.

G. HOME AND SCHOOL REPORT Ms. Petrauskas gave a report on Home and School.

Arcola Home and School Co-Presidents, Manisha Baman and Jennifer Anderson, gavea presentation.

H. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES Benjamin Greenberg and Jaisheela Setty gave reports.

I. SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Quinn gave a report.

IX. ITEMS FOR BOARD ACTION

By notice of the President, the following action items suggest a roll call vote. You will be recorded as voting in the affirmative for the motion unless you say “nay” or “I abstain”. Board Members are further advised that they must publicly announce and disclose the nature of any conflict of interest before the vote on the matter is taken and file the appropriate form withthe Secretary of the Board.

A. CONSENT AGENDA – Dr. Timothy Quinn

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Copies of the minutes of the work session held September 15, 2009 and the

minutes of the regular meeting held September 22, 2009 were forwarded in advance to all members of the Board of School Directors.

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2. FISCAL ITEMS

a. BILLS The bills that will be presented for Board approval are chargeable againstthe funds and accounts indicated. The list of bills recommended for approval will be provided prior to the regular meeting.

(1) General Fund Account $3,293,089.59(2) Activity Account $ 10,676.58(3) Athletic Account $ 27,839.79(4) Capital Improvements $ 0(5) Capital Reserve $ 288,796.25(6) Food Services $ 98,603.12(7) Scholarship/Memorial $ 0(8) 2007 Construction Fund $ 0(9) 2008-2009 Construction Fund $3,129,878.68

b. BEACON AGREEMENT RENEWAL Approve a one year renewal of the contract with BEACON (BucksEmployee Assistance Consortium) at the rate of $12.30 per employee.Effective November, 2009 through October, 2010.

3. SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS ON PERSONNELISSUES:

a. RESIGNATIONS - CLASSIFIED1) Accept the resignation of Carla Himes, instructional assistant

at Audubon Elementary School. Effective: October 2, 2009.

b. RESIGNATIONS – SUPPLEMENTAL1) Accept the resignation of Denise Cacciola, homework club

sponsor at Woodland Elementary School. Effective immediately.

c. EMPLOYMENT – SUPPLEMENTAL1) Approve the following additional supplemental contracts in the

amount of $8,215.51 for the 2009-2010 school year:

a) Lee Ann Apichella, literary club co-sponsor at ArcolaIntermediate School, in the amount of $725.04.

b) Tara Cantello, musical producer at Arcola IntermediateSchool, in the amount of $1,997.89.

c) Laura Fornwald, environmental club co-sponsor at Worcester Elementary School, in the amount of $362.52.

d) Richard Hahn, environmental club assistant at AudubonElementary School, in the amount of $161.12.

e) Robert Letter, instructional software support specialistat Arcola Intermediate School, in the amount of $2,131.70.

f) Mary Meanix, Methacton High School SADD sponsor, inthe amount of $644.48.

g) Leigh Purnell, literary club co-sponsor at Arcola Intermediate School, in the amount of $725.04.

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h) Donald Sawyer, academic decathlon sponsor at MethactonHigh School, in the amount of $563.92.

i) Eugenie Sloan, mentor, in the amount of $903.80.j) Lynda Bradley, homework club sponsor at Woodland

Elementary School, in the amount of $322.24.

d. CHANGE OF STATUS - CLASSIFIED1) Approve a change of status for Brad Casagrande from part-time

to full-time bus driver. No change in hourly rate. Effective: October 15, 2009. This is a replacement position.

2) Approve a change of status for Marybelle D’Annunzio from part-time to full-time bus driver. No change in hourly rate.Effective: October 5, 2009. This is a new position.

3) Approve a change of status for Peggy Hoffman from part-time tofull-time bus driver. No change in hourly rate. Effective: September 8, 2009. This is a replacement position.

4) Approve a change of status for Barry Stott from part-time tofull-time bus driver. No change in hourly rate.Effective: October 5, 2009. This is a new position.

5) Approve a change of status for Linda Heil from long-term substitute instructional assistant at Arcola Intermediate Schoolto instructional assistant at Eagleville Elementary School.Hourly rate of $14.18. Effective: October 19, 2009.This is a replacement position.

6) Approve a change of status for Frances Monastero fromgeneral helper in food services at Worcester ElementarySchool to assistant cook at Arcola Intermediate School.Hourly rate of $17.26. Effective: October 28, 2009.This is a replacement position.

7) Approve a change of status for Victoria Robinson from 3.75hours to 6 hours in food services at Methacton High School.No change in hourly rate. Effective: October 22, 2009.This is a replacement position.

8) Approve a change of status for Penny Whitson from 3.75hours to 4.75 hours in food services at Methacton High School.No change in hourly rate. Effective: October 22, 2009.This is a replacement position.

e. CLASSIFIED SUBSTITUTE LISTApprove the following additions to the classified substitute list:

1) Rosemary Fox2) Sharon Bottura3) Marianne Cozzolino4) Kelly Kenwood5) Christine Manjardi6) Patricia Piazza

f. VOLUNTEER LISTApprove the list of long-term volunteers who have completed the

requirements in compliance with board policy #916.

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END OF CONSENT AGENDA

May I have a motion to approve the consent agenda as recommended.

Motion: Ms. PetrauskasSecond: Mr. LynchVote: 8-0Result: Approved

B. FISCAL – Mr. Denis McCall

1. TREASURER’S REPORT Approve the treasurer’s report for the month of September. The treasurer’s

report was forwarded in advance to all members of the Board of Directors.

2. CAPITAL RESERVE EXPENDITURESApprove the expenditure of $975,000 to purchase computer equipmentfrom the 2008-09 fiscal year with the condition that the General Fundrepay the purchase, with interest, over a three year period beginningJuly 1, 2009. This motion supersedes the action of April 28, 2009 approving a transfer to the General Fund.

3. CAPITAL RESERVE FUND TRANSFER

Approve a transfer of $333,821.59 from the Capital Reserve Fund to the 2007 Woodland Elementary Construction Fund to cover the costs of the rental of modular buildings and asbestos removal not included in the capital funding of the project due to those items not being reimbursable by the State.

4. HVAC BALANCING - COMMISSIONING SERVICES AT ARCOLAApprove the award of a professional services contract to Optimum PerformanceBalance, LLC for testing, adjusting and balancing, commissioning service for newly installed HVAC equipment in the amount of $56,100.00.

5. ARCOLA PROJECT CHANGE ORDERSa. Authorize the following change orders to General Construction Contract,

E. R. Stuebner, Inc.: Proposed change order #01-025 for grade changes to North Road

at Skyview front entrance area to achieve ADA compliance not shown in contract drawings in the amount of $8,640.14.

Proposed change order #01-046 for modifications required to Skyview entrance way including steps, handrails and additional concrete entrance apron to comply with ADA egress requirements due to design error in the amount of $6,092.66.

Proposed change order #01-026 for closing of corridor walls above ceiling at faculty dining area to comply with code resulting from unforeseen conditions in the amount of $3,061.94.

Proposed change order #01-030 for removal of storm water inlet and grout filling associated piping along Eagleville Road as per PennDOT request in the amount of $1,766.58.

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Proposed change order #01-031 to revise height of traffic control poles from 25 ft. to 30 ft. as per PennDOT Signalization Division request after evaluating existing site conditions in the amount of $4,162.94.

Proposed change order #01-032 for required revisions to MH-40 and associated piping resulting from design error in the amount of $8,661.66.

Proposed change order #01-035 for additional sidewalk at various locations around Skyview as per LPT Code Official request in the amount of $9,430.91.

Proposed change order #01-036 to provide additional traffic signal head and 10 lin. ft. of additional sidewalk at northwest corner of traffic intersection as per PennDOT request not shown on contract drawings in the amount of $5,778.76.

Proposed change order #01-038 to provide acoustical ceiling in kitchen mechanical room due to deteriorating condition of existing wood ceiling at owners request in the amount of $360.55.

Proposed change order #01-040 for required revisions to proposed Arcola Road crosswalk to comply with ADA requirements due to design error in the amount of $7,560.66.

Proposed change order #01-048 for removal of unsuitable soil along a portion of South Road due to unforeseen conditions in the amount of $43,999.25.

Proposed change order #01-052 for replacement of specified door in Skyview administrative area due to design error in the amount of $815.80.

b. Authorize the following change orders to HVAC Construction Contract, Guy M. Cooper, Inc.:

Proposed change order #4 for installation of two (2) condensate pumps in administration area not shown in contract drawings in the amount of $3,734.18.

Proposed change order #5 to provide additional external insulated ductwork in kitchen to accommodate connection with existing ductwork in the amount of $1,543.56.

Proposed change order #9 to provide smoke damper in room C204 not shown in contract documents in the amount of $1,632.83.

c. Authorize the following change orders to Electrical Construction Contract, Philips Brothers Electrical, Inc.:

Proposed change order #14 for installation of power to two (2) condensate pumps in administration area not shown in contract documents in the amount of $619.76.

Proposed change order #15 to provide additional control wiring changes to kitchen HVAC units EF8 & 9, and MAU1 to connect to HVAC controls not shown in contract documents in the amount of $1,690.41.

d. Authorize the following change orders to Asbestos Abatement Construction Contract, Asbestos and Lead Abatement Services:

Proposed change order to remove an additional 800 square foot of floor tile at contract unit price of $2.00/square foot in the amount of $1,600.00. (Work was performed during summer 2009 abatement)

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Proposed change order for removal of asbestos wiring from (25) auditorium stage catwalk spot lights in the amount of $2,500.00. (Work was performed during summer 2009 abatement)

6. SKYVIEW UPPER ELEMENTARY PROJECT CHANGE ORDERa. Authorize the following change order to Frazer Comtech:

Proposed change order to change the method of termination of copper feeder cables in Skyview data closets from being terminated on 110 blocks to category 5e patch panels in the amount of $633.00.

Mr. Van Horn commended fellow board member, Ms. Petrauskas, for her attentionin the reviewing of the treasurer’s report.

Mr. Sattler commented that although item #6 is a new item from last week, the technology committee has discussed this and is supportive of it.

Mr. Simeone reassured the public that the change orders are carefully reviewed and we are keeping track and pushing back on those that are not appropriate.

May I have a motion to approve the fiscal items as presented.

Motion: Mr. SimeoneSecond: Mr. SchanbacherVote: 8-0Result: Approved

C. PERSONNEL – Mr. Robert Harney

1. EMPLOYMENT – CLASSIFIEDa. Approve the employment of Linda DeFrangesco, food services at

Arcola Intermediate School. Hourly rate of $14.14. Effective: October 5, 2009. This is a replacement position.

b. Approve the employment of Christopher Diliberto, food services atArcola Intermediate School. Hourly rate of $14.14.Effective: October 15, 2009. This is a replacement position.

c. Approve the employment of Krista Labriola, recess aide at WorcesterElementary School. Hourly rate of $11.59. Effective: October 5, 2009.

This is a replacement position.d. Approve the employment of Amy Shoemaker, food services at Methacton

High School. Hourly rate of $14.14. Effective: October 8, 2009.This is a replacement position.

e. Approve the employment of Cindy Waenke, food services at MethactonHigh School. Hourly rate of $14.14. Effective: October 8, 2009.This is a replacement position.

f. Approve the employment of Donna Waldron, food services at Arrowhead Elementary School. Hourly rate of $14.14.Effective: October 5, 2009. This is a replacement position.

g. Approve the employment of Carolyn Hofgesang, secretary to theassistant superintendent. Hourly rate of $19.52. Effective: October 30, 2009. This is a replacement position.

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2. EMPLOYMENT – LONG-TERM SUBSTITUTE – PROFESSIONAL

a. Approve the employment of Deena Gross, long-term substitute mathinstructor at Methacton High School. Salary: $45,000 (prorated).Effective: September 29, 2009 through approximately January 29, 2010.

b. Approve the employment of Kelly Roth, long-term substitute grade fourinstructor at Eagleville Elementary School. Salary: $41,000 (prorated).Effective: October 16, 2009 through the end of the 2009-10 school year.

c. Approve the employment of Amber Carter, long-term substitute mathinstructor at Arcola Intermediate School. Salary: $41,000 (prorated).Effective: September 3, 2009 through approximately November 25, 2009.

d. Approve an extension to the long-term substitute assignment for Tracy McGonigle, grade three at Woodland Elementary School.

Effective through the end of the 2009-2010 school year.

3. UNCOMPENSATED LEAVE – CLASSIFIEDa. Approve an uncompensated leave of absence for John Morin, warehouse

specialist. Effective: October 14, 2009 until further notice.

4. UNCOMPENSATED LEAVE – PROFESSIONALa. Approve an uncompensated leave of absence for Brooke Sheplock,

math instructor at Methacton High School. Effective: ApproximatelyJanuary 14, 2010 through February 15, 2010.

b. Approve an extension to the uncompensated leave of absence forJessica Amici, grade three instructor at Woodland Elementary School.Effective through the end of the 2009-2010 school year.

5. COMPENSATED LEAVE – PROFESSIONALa. Approve a compensated leave of absence for professional development

for Kelly Cohen, grade two instructor at Worcester Elementary School.Effective for the second semester of the 2009-2010 school year.

May I have a motion to approve the personnel items as presented.

Motion: Mr. JonesSecond: Mr. SimeoneVote: 8-0Result: Approved

D. PROGRAMS - Dr. Jane Martin

1. METHACTON HIGH SCHOOL COURSE PROPOSALS FOR 2010-2011Approve the following course proposals for the 2010-2011 school year:

a. Course Title: Automated AccountingGrade Level (s): 11-12Semester/Year: SemesterMods per Cycle: 6Credit Value: 0.5

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b. Course Title: Internet/Web 2.0Grade Level (s): 9-12Semester/Year: SemesterMods per Cycle: 3Credit Value: 0.25

c. Course Title: Microsoft Access DatabaseGrade Level (s): 9-12Semester/Year: SemesterMods per Cycle: 3Credit Value: 0.25

d. Course Title: Microsoft Excel SpreadsheetsGrade Level (s): 9-12Semester/Year: SemesterMods per Cycle: 3Credit Value: 0.25

e. Course Title: Microsoft PowerPoint/PresentationGrade Level (s): 9-12Semester/Year: SemesterMods per Cycle: 3Credit Value: 0.25

f. Course Title: Microsoft WordGrade Level (s): 9-12Semester/Year: SemesterMods per Cycle: 3Credit Value: 0.25

g. Course Title: Keyboarding/Basic Word ProcessingGrade Level (s): 9-12Semester/Year: SemesterMods per Cycle: 3Credit Value: 0.25

h. Course Title: Science Fiction: Advanced Technology & InvasionsGrade Level (s): 10-12Semester/Year: SemesterMods per Cycle: 6Credit Value: 0.5

i. Course Title: Ceramic Art IIIGrade Level (s): 10-12Semester/Year: SemesterMods per Cycle: 6Credit Value: 0.5

j. Course Title: Psychology IIGrade Level (s): 10-12Semester/Year: SemesterMods per Cycle: 6Credit Value: 0.5

k. Course Title: French IV HonorsGrade Level (s): 11-12Semester/Year: YearMods per Cycle: 6Credit Value: 1.0

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l. Course Title: Criminal and Civil LawGrade Level (s): 10-12Semester/Year: SemesterMods per Cycle: 6Credit Value: .5

m. Course Title: Reading in the Content AreasGrade Level (s): 11Semester/Year: YearMods per Cycle: 12Credit Value: 2.0

n. Course Title: AP PsychologyGrade Level (s): 11-12Semester/Year: YearMods per Cycle: 6Credit Value: 1.0

2. METHACTON HIGH SCHOOL READING PROGRAMApprove the purchase of Scholastic’s Read 180 for Methacton High School in the amount of $39,950.

May I have a motion to approve the program items as presented.

Motion: Ms. PetrauskasSecond: Mr. SchanbacherVote: 8-0Result: Approved

E. POLICY – Dr. Timothy Quinn

1. SECOND READINGa. Policy #006 – Meetingsb. Policy #801 – Public Records

May I have a motion to approve the board policies as presented.

Motion: Mr. Van HornSecond: Mr. JonesVote: 8-0Result: Approved

X. INFORMATION ITEMS A. DATES FOR BOARD MEMBERS’ CALENDARS

October 27, 2009 Property Committee Meeting 6:45 PMRegular Meeting 7:30 PM

November 17, 2009 Finance Committee Meeting 5:30 PMWork Session 7:30 PM

November 24, 2009 Property Committee Meeting 5:30 PMRegular Meeting 7:30 PM

December 2, 2009 Finance Committee Meeting 5:30 PMReorganization Meeting 7:30 PM

December 8, 2009 Property Committee Meeting 5:30 PMWork Session/Regular Meeting 7:30 PM

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B. ADVISEMENTS – Dr. Timothy Quinn

1. POLICY – FIRST READINGa. Policy #008 – Organizational Chartb. Policy #237 – Electronic Devicesc. Policy #609 – Investment of District Fundsd. Policy #718 – Service Animals in Schoolse. Policy #815 – Acceptable Use of Internet

2. TRANSFERS – PROFESSIONALa. Brad Dale from grade four instructor at Eagleville Elementary School

to long-term substitute math specialist at Arrowhead and EaglevilleElementary Schools. Effective: Immediately.

b. Alonna Johnson from math specialist at Arrowhead Elementary Schoolto long-term substitute district math coordinator. Effective: Immediatelythrough the end of the 2009-2010 school year.

3. TRANSFERS - CLASSIFIEDa. Carol Harrity, instructional assistant at Eagleville Elementary School to

instructional assistant at Audubon Elementary School.Effective: To be determined. This is a replacement position.

b. Andre Jackson, custodian at Woodland Elementary School to custodianat Arcola Intermediate School. Effective: September 21, 2009.This is a replacement position.

c. Thomas Carty, custodian at Methacton High School to custodian atWoodland Elementary School. Effective: October 19, 2009.This is a replacement position.

XI. OLD BUSINESS Mr. Van Horn requested the board president write a letter to our legislative representatives regarding two major issues state-wide that came up at the PSBA conference.. A proposed move toward state-wide health insurance and proposals to modify the public school employees retirement program. He recommended a motion to support the establishment of a state-wide health insurance plan for public school employees with the ability for local school districts to optout at the discretion of the local school district.

Mrs. Barbone suggested approving the letter to legislators, but not the content until the rest ofthe Board has had a chance to review it.

Mr. Van Horn recommended a motion on drafting a letter to our legislators on the issues ofhealth care and retirement.

Mr. Sattler seconded the motion.

Mr. Simeone questioned what the advantages are.

Mr. Van Horn explained further.

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Mr. Sattler commented on the supporting of state-wide healthcare was overwhelmingly defeatedby those in attendance at the PSBA conference and that it should be a local issue. Stronglanguage for local districts to opt out is supported. Retirement contributions are projectedto increase and this needs to be look at.

Mr. Van Horn reiterated the problems with the retirement program and recommended a letterto our legislators proposing a review of the structure for new hires as well as current employees.

Mr. Lynch questioned the timing of the state-wide health care proposal and health care on thefederal level.Mr. Simeone asked Dr. Quinn if this has been discussed with other superintendents.

Dr. Quinn responded that the Director of Policy for Governor Ed Rendell, Donna Cooper,spoke to this last week to our administrators. State-wide health care is being discussed andalso the retirement system is a concern but will become more of an issue when it becomes acrisis which, based on the cost projections, may be in the next several years.

Mr. Van Horn commented on speeding up the process by making known to our elected officialsthat their elections are at risk and that is the purpose of communicating to our legislators.

Mr. Sattler commented on his support for contacting legislators regarding health care and retirement.

By a vote of 8-0, the Board unanimously approved the drafting of a letter to our legislatorsregarding the state health care and retirement programs.

Dr. Quinn addressed the following questions raised at the last meeting:1. What percentage of the contingency reserves are left for the Arcola Project?

The original contingency was 1.2 million dollars. Change orders have amounted to roughly 34% of that or $417,000 and some change. Other expenses at $595,000

for a remaining $215,000 or 17.5%.

2. Some residents inquired about the degree to which the architect will pay for the mistakeson the Arcola/Skyview project.The District is in discussion with the architect about issues related to the project andany errors or omissions that we are finding.

3. Are Methacton’s computers obsolete only after four years?That’s a long response but as a school district receiving directives from outsideorganizations such as governmental agencies that necessitates enhanced technology,we encourage our own staff to increase integration of technology into the curriculumand we do find it necessary to regularly our system capabilities to keep abreast ofMicrosoft operating systems, productivity tools and we really can’t avoid regularperiodic upgrades and replacements of technology although I will tell you that in theyear’s budget that we are operating in right now, we did significantly decrease thetechnology department.

4. There was a request for negotiations update and specifically are we on track for a November settlement?As noted in the past, the District continues to be involved with negotiations with theteacher’s association and no one has established a November deadline for a settlementagreement.

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5. Is there too much “dumbing down” in the critical K-5 math program?We are using the Everyday Mathematics program. It’s a comprehensive pre-

kindergarten through sixth grade curriculum developed by the University of Chicago

School of Mathematics Project and published by McGraw Hill. It’s currently beingused in over 185,000 classrooms by almost three million students. The federal government’s “What Works Clearing House” gave Everyday Mathematics the highest

rating of any commercially published elementary mathematics curriculum and we

are very proud of that selection.

6. Would it be smart to consider putting the top students into some version of a magnet school to some day realize their full potential?The brief answer to that is Methacton seeks to provide both a variety and stimulation provided in a heterogeneously settings and the ability to work closely with similarly abled peers for our most gifted students. In addition, the District has rigorouslyreviewing our Pennsylvania Value Added Assessment System results to make surethat our highest achieving students are also experiencing appropriate growth eachyear.

7. Are we doing enough for the outliers at the top end?I can give a ray of answers to that but the answer is, no, we are never doing enoughand we are constantly seeking ways we can structure our finest students in the District.

XII. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Van Horn commented on a school board candidate’s newsletter circulating in the

community saying the present school board has planned to spend another 30 plus million dollars on the high school expansion and wondered if the Board every approved that.

Mrs. Barbone responded, no.

XIII. COURTESY OF THE FLOORJohn Andrews, Lower Providence

Corrected his statement regarding the high school expansion – the school board has a plan to spend money on an expansion not that you had acted on it. A year ago, the architect had given you such a plan.

Expressed concern over the sport of football and the safety of it with specific concern regarding concussions. Suggests a study in Methacton to have two soccer teams and no football team.

XIV. COORDINATOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES –Mrs. Angela Linch gave a report.

XV. ADJOURNMENT On a motion made by Ms. Petrauskas and seconded by Mr. Lynch, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Donna E. KoonsBoard Secretary

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METHACTON SCHOOL DISTRICT€¦ · Web viewMethacton High School. I. CALL TO ORDER ... Proposed change order #01-046 for modifications required to Skyview entrance way ... Microsoft